IBM’s ‘click to buy’ consulting services look beyond just IT

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2490859/it-careers/ibm-s-click-to-buy-consulting-services-look-beyond-just-it.html

This article talks about IBM’s new approach to reaching a new customer base. Usually computer companies target the techs of the company to sell new products but with the ever changing technological world innovative marketers have to find new ways to integrate their products. IBM is offering 5 new ‘click to buy’ software’s that can be purchased by the non IT professional. The first service being offered is called Social Media Analytics and Customer Insights. This software will help a business analyze what is being said about them on social media. It can be purchased online with a simple credit card and does come with some prerequisites like having a subscription to IBM’s Social Media Analytics Software. The other four services being offered will be checkup services to software’s that are already in use within the organization. IBM is planning to roll out more click to buy services if the first round is well received.

1. With the first set of new products targeting non-IT employees, what role will IT play in the implementation of these products?

2. Do you think targeting non IT professionals is a smart business decision on IBM’s part?

3. Many questions arise after an implementation concerning the systems effectiveness and efficiency, do you think purchasing another software like “technical healthcheck” for SAP is a necessary purchase?